Laikipia Governor Questioned Over “Trolley” Ambulances and Accounting Gaps

Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu faced intense scrutiny today from the Senate County Public Investment and Special Funds Committee over audit concerns involving Nanyuki Teaching and Referral Hospital, as well as Doldol and Rumuruti Sub-County hospitals.

The grilling turned contentious when Senator John Kinyua questioned the deployment of “motorbike ambulances” in the county. “How did you come up with this genius idea? Are these actual ambulances or merely motorbikes pulling trolleys?” he asked sharply.

Governor Irungu clarified that the project was not a county initiative, but a pilot launched by civil society. “Though this is not part of queries in the audit, let me set the record straight… this is not a county project, but a civil society pilot. My officers attended the launch, but that does not mean I support it or have invested county funds. Because of the poor perception, we are planning to replace them with proper ambulances,” he explained.

Accounting and Professional Oversight

The committee also raised concerns over notable inaccuracies in the hospitals’ financial statements. Vice-Chair Senator Eddy Oketch probed the county’s lead accountant regarding his professional credentials. The accountant admitted that he was not in good standing with the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya.

The committee directed Governor Irungu to take administrative measures to ensure all professionals serving in the county maintain proper standing with their respective bodies to curb misconduct. The governor welcomed the directive and assured that swift corrective action would follow.

Patient Bill Waivers

Finally, the Senate highlighted irregularities in unapproved patient bill waivers issued by the hospitals. While management cited humanitarian grounds for the waivers, the committee emphasized strict compliance with the law. “Governor, you must regularize these waivers to prevent the abuse of waivers and exemptions,” the committee ruled.

Governor Irungu assured the committee that his administration would act to address both the financial management gaps and the public perception issues surrounding hospital services, including the motorbike ambulance pilot.